What type of plan does periodontal scaling and root planing involve?

Periodontal scaling and root planing is a therapeutic dental procedure specifically aimed at treating gum disease by cleaning the teeth and roots below the gum line. The term "scaling" refers to the removal of plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, while "root planing" involves smoothing out the root surfaces to eliminate bacterial toxins.

This procedure is essential for restoring periodontal health and is part of the fundamental care in managing periodontal diseases. The focus of periodontal scaling and root planing is not on restoration, maintenance, assessment, or diagnosis—but rather directly on the mechanical debridement (cleaning) of the teeth and roots to promote healing of the periodontal tissues.

Thus, mentioning scaling and root planing as a singular plan underscores their collective goal of effectively managing periodontal health through direct intervention, which is why this choice aligns perfectly with the nature of the procedure.